They say the Bersatu secretary-general’s ability to unify the party could determine both the party’s and his own survival.
Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said Azmin, a former Selangor menteri besar, must take proactive measures to unite the party and ensure his political relevance.
“Azmin, just like party president Muhyiddin Yassin, needs to take the lead in unifying the party and putting forward policy ideas that resonate with voters,” she told FMT.
“He should be taking proactive measures because he has the experience. People want to see what Bersatu has to offer. As secretary-general, he could take the lead and place himself as a possible replacement for Muhyiddin in the future,” she added.
Her comments came after Bersatu Supreme Council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Azmin was unfit to lead the party as long as the controversy surrounding a 2019 video, allegedly of the former minister engaging in homosexual acts, remains unresolved.
However, Bersatu’s 10 Selangor assemblymen, including Dr Afif Bahardin (Taman Medan) and Hilman Idham (Gombak Setia), accused the Tasik Gelugor MP of attempting to divert attention from his corruption charges by reviving old allegations against Azmin.
At the time the video surfaced, the then attorney-general had concluded that there was no case to prosecute Azmin.
Eyes on Azmin
Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya said Azmin’s survival skills and long political career make him an important figure within Bersatu.
He recalled that Azmin had cut his teeth in politics through Umno, serving as Anwar Ibrahim’s private secretary during his early years. Following Anwar’s arrest, he became one of his main lieutenants and later went on to become Selangor menteri besar.
The former PKR deputy president went on to steadily expand his influence until the Sheraton Move in 2020, after which he aligned with Muhyiddin in Bersatu.
Azman Awang added that ongoing internal debates about leadership change, including recent remarks by Wan Saiful urging a faster transition, would keep the spotlight firmly on Azmin.
“Despite setbacks, Azmin is seen as influential and people want to see him survive this crisis in Bersatu. He is senior, almost on Muhyiddin’s level, and that makes his leadership important as the party looks for direction,” he told FMT.
“Whether he rises at this time depends on how he responds to criticism and takes charge,” he said.
Brewing divisions
Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia said Bersatu’s crisis has been brewing for some time, with rival camps within the party now becoming clearer. He added that although the party was a relatively small one, it was still a critical player in shaping Malaysia’s political dynamics.
Sivamurugan added that Azmin’s record as former Selangor menteri besar and as a federal minister showed his ability to lead, but lingering controversy over the 2019 scandal remains a challenge.
“This is a chance for Azmin to prove his leadership skills and place himself as a successor. But it will depend on how he handles the situation — whether he impresses the majority or fails to contain the crisis,” Sivamurugan said.
“The crisis involves many personalities in the party, not just Wan Saiful and Azmin. We can see at least two factions clearly. Bersatu must decide quickly whether it wants to strengthen its leadership or allow divisions to deepen,” he said.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Azmin missed an opportunity to show leadership when the controversy over statutory declarations resurfaced during the party’s annual general assembly in an attempt to oust Muhyiddin.
“Azmin should have taken care of the situation immediately. He should have handled the issue before Wan Saiful came out firing salvos on old cases about Azmin,” he said. - FMT
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